Formentera Attractions
Formentera, with a length of 23km/14mi and a breadth ranging between 1.7km/1mi and 17km/10mi, lies to the south of Ibiza, separated from it by Es Freus, a channel only 4km/2.5mi wide. The islanders live in four loosely settled communes, with agriculture as their main source of income. In recent years, however, tourism has made an increasing contribution to the island's revenues. During the Middle Ages the island was constantly harassed by the bloody raids of the Barbary pirates, which in about 1400 led to its total depopulation. It began to be resettled only in the late 17th century.
Topography
Two low ranges of hills, the Meseta de la Mola in the east and the Puig Guillén in the west, form the main structure of the island. They are linked by a narrow spit of land 5km/3mi long flanked by dunes. On the south side of the island is a beautiful sheltered sandy beach; the north coast is fringed by cliffs.
Formentera offers only limited variety. It is an ideal holiday place for those who like unspoiled nature, quiet beaches and clear water and are quite happy to accept simpler standards of accommodation (mainly to be found on the south coast).
Topography
Two low ranges of hills, the Meseta de la Mola in the east and the Puig Guillén in the west, form the main structure of the island. They are linked by a narrow spit of land 5km/3mi long flanked by dunes. On the south side of the island is a beautiful sheltered sandy beach; the north coast is fringed by cliffs.
Formentera offers only limited variety. It is an ideal holiday place for those who like unspoiled nature, quiet beaches and clear water and are quite happy to accept simpler standards of accommodation (mainly to be found on the south coast).
Isotel Club Maryland
On the south coast of Formentera is the extensive holiday development of Maryland, equipped with every conceivable facility for holidaymakers. The name Maryland has nothing to do with the American state of that name, but is an artificial compound made up of the Spanish "mar y" ("sea and") and the English "land".
La Sabina, Spain
In La Sabina, which has the island's only harbor, there is little to be found apart from the harbor buildings, car hire firms and bars.
Nuestra Senora del Pilar, Spain
At the eastern tip of Formentera is the village of Nuestra Señora del Pilar, with an attractive white fortified church. From here it is a short distance to the Punta de sa Ruda, the island's most easterly point. Just north of the lighthouse is a stone (erected 1978) with a bronze plaque commemorating Jules Verne, whose novel ''A Journey through the Solar System'' refers to the island of Formentera.
San Fernando (Sant Fernan)
A little way east of San Francisco Javier, at San Fernando, is a recently discovered stalactitic cave, now open to visitors.
San Francisco Javier, Spain
San Francisco Javier is the chief place on the island and its administrative center. In the central square is the plain parish church (1738). To the south of the town is an ancient fig-tree, its branches supported by numerous timber props; it is said to be the oldest in the Balearics.
Stinking Pool
East of La Sabina is the Estanque Pudent, a brackish lagoon separated from the sea by a 5km/3mi long ridge of dunes with a beautiful sandy beach and linked with it by a narrow channel. At the north end of the lagoon are extensive salt pans.
